Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:

Lay out patterns and cut leather

This unit addresses the selection, laying out and cutting of leather hides into components for upholstered furniture

Leather hide

Leather hide for leather upholstered furniture is of a suitable thickness and quality and may be a full hide or partial.

Leather characteristics/qualities include:

natural markings

finished and unfinished sides

high and low wear

direction of markings

flaws and blemishes

colour variation between hides

flexibility

Unit context

OH&S requirements include legislation, material safety management system, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures

Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in identifying the qualities and in the cutting of leather to patterns provided

Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
scissors
cutting blades and electric shears

Materials

Leather hides of upholstery quality, patterns

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise practices and procedures. It may include:
safety glasses/goggles
hair nets
ear muffs/plugs
gloves
footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures

Workflow in relation to the selection and cutting of leather

Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Knowledge of features and use of the finished upholstered item

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Identify and select leathers and any special laying out and cutting requirements for different hide parts
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
As a minimum, given hides and patterns:
identify and select leather for a leather armchair
measure and cut selected leather to match these patterns
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Work requirements including workplace standards and inspection procedures
Leather types, common faults, wear capability of different parts of the hide
Workflow in relation to cutting leather
Design features of the finished furnishing items in relation to laying out the pattern and cutting the leather

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to hand and power tools, work orders, maintenance systems and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
Planning. Plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the work area to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to cutting leather

Resource Implications
Appropriate scissors and cutting blades, leather, patterns, work order, workplace information including work procedures and/or equipment instructions.

Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which form a part of the job role.

Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Key Competency Levels
NB:These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.
There are three levels available:
Level 1 where work is within set conditions and process
Level 2 where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised; and
Level 3 where the design and/or development of conditions or process is required
Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(1)